Thursday, January 21, 2016

Carbon Monoxide Incident Involving Portable Generator

At
approximately 6 pm last night, January 20, Paramedic Engine 732 and Medic 731 were
dispatched to a townhouse on Earth Star Court in Gaithersburg for a report of
an unconscious person. Upon entering the home, fire and rescue personnel were
met by the patient's roommate who indicated he was unconscious upstairs.

Crews
opened the bedroom door and found the unconscious patient. Almost immediately the passive Carbon
Monoxide (CO) monitor on Medic 731's EMS bag alarmed. Crews found CO readings that
were over 900ppm. The patient was immediately removed, care initiated, and he
was then transported to a local hospital.

The
high level of CO was a result of the patient using a portable generator in the
house.

MCFRS
would like to remind all residents, especially in light of potential power outages
this weekend, that any portable generators need to be place outside the home
and away from any doors or windows. This includes not placing generators inside
of garages.